Last week we were invited up to Trump Turnberry for a FAM visit. The first thing that would spring to mind (other than Trump) would be Golf. Here is why we think you need to look beyond this and realise it has so much more to offer for Corporate and Private groups.
Trump Turnberry Resort:
The location is breathtakingly beautiful. Set on the west coast of Scotland, you view is drawn to the sea and Ailsa Craig that overlooks the resort. Due to time of year, we were unable to take in some of the amazing sunsets that are common across the summer. But the views out past the lighthouse across the sea to the Craig were still awe inspiring. One thing to note, being coastal it has a very similar micro climate as you would find in Cornwall. So be prepared for every type of weather across your stay!
Turnberry was bought by Mr Trump back in 2014 and regardless of what your views are currently on the current POTUS...you can only be impressed with the level of investment and attention to detail that has gone into it. So often investors come in and hand over a budget to the team and take very little interest. We we told first hand how the Trump's were and are meticulous in what changes needed to be made across the entire venue.
The hotel itself which again has seen significant investment has keep it's historical charms but has been modernised to a very high standard. The rooms have all the needed mod-cons but with style and character. The bathrooms have the biggest and most luxurious baths you will ever see. It's the personal touches though that cannot be understated. The staff were welcoming, friendly informative from the top down, including a hand written welcome letter in the room from the Resort General Manager.
Within the hotel there are a number of conference, board and ballrooms. Each difference sizes, with there own character suitable for any event, conference or seminar. For those looking for some downtime, the in house Spa has all you need in terms of a gym, treatments, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and pool...yes we tried them all! But again, to show the level of quality and standard more investment is currently going into this part of the resort.
Dining is of the highest we have seen in a long time. The food was exquisite not just within the hotel, but at the Club House restaurant - Duel In The Sun as well. We only had pudding out at the Lighthouse (shame I hear you say) but again even this was another level! So we look forward to returning to see what else they can offer there.
An absolute must have addition, and probably the best experience we had on the visit is the Chef's Table. From being Piped in to the actual table itself and the the actual dining experience. We have been to many restaurants and none will compare to this in terms of ambience, the level of service and information by the staff. We couldn't recommend this highly enough as part of your stay!
Golf:
Trump Turnberry has three courses in total. 2 championship and one 9 hole course, which I am told is actually the toughest to play. We had a walk around the Robert The Bruce course and what struck us the most was how inviting it is to play. So often when we put on Golf retreats we see tee shots, scenic but that scare the life out even the best of golfers. Here we found the tee shots to be more welcoming, but lets be clear the courses are challenging. Some of the bunkers around the course you would need time to conjure a shot up to get out of (for slightly higher handicaps!)
But as well as the courses, the club house is fantastic and the Golf Academy will take your experience to a whole new world. This we would say is a must for those with a lower handicap looking to get closer to scratch. The facilities and technology available to analyse your swing and your putting is first class. Some of the information you come away with from the Pro's and the technology will help your game significantly.
Other Activities:
We were surprised to learn that Golf only really plays around 30% of the revenue. For Corporate groups that would maybe be hesitant to book here because of the golf, there is so much more on offer.
As well as bespoke wine, whiskey or gin tastings. you can be more adventurous by trying Clay Shooting, 4x4 Quad Biking, Air Rifles, Archery or even your own mini Highland Games. The resort really does have all you need in terms of corporate facilities and team activities to make it a perfect location for any Off Site.
Ayr Racecourse is not too far up the road as well, which hosts a number of events such as the Scottish National and Gold Cup. So again, there is opportunity to add hospitality at the races to your visit. For private groups, it's about an hour away from Glasgow so again it opens itself up nicely to those wanting a beautiful, luxurious stay when going to a concert or gig at the SSE Hydro.
Summary:
So really we have just scratch the surface, there is so much more to discuss. For golf it's a must, for corporate groups looking for an amazing venue with lots on offer...it's a must. Once again, the whole team at Trump Turnberry are helpful, informative, friendly and take customer service to a completely new level. We cannot thank them enough for what they did over the two days.
What we do at MEaT is look beyond the norm for our clients. We like to discuss in depth through first hand knowledge and experience to bring you the event you deserve and that impacts positively and memorably on your employees or clients.
If you are tired of the same old venues and activities. If you are looking to work with an Event company that goes beyond what it says in the brochure. Then do get in touch with the team and lets make your next event a real experience and a success.
We Are MEaT - Memorable events and experiences, simply done.